Iran Labels Canadian Navy as 'Terrorist Organization' Amid Rising Tensions with Ottawa

In a significant escalation of diplomatic tensions, Iran has officially classified the Royal Canadian Navy as a 'terrorist organization'. This action is a direct response to Canada's decision to label the Iranian Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist entity in June 2024.

Tehran: Canada's Decision Violates International Law

The Iranian Foreign Ministry issued a statement asserting that this classification is a reaction to what it termed an 'illegal action' by Ottawa against the Revolutionary Guard. Iran contends that Canada's designation contradicts fundamental principles of international law and indicated that it will not remain passive regarding what it views as an attack on its sovereign institutions.

Reciprocal Measures: The Legal Justification

The Iranian Foreign Ministry explained that the designation of the Canadian Navy is grounded in a 2019 law titled 'Reciprocal Action Against the Declaration of America of the Revolutionary Guard as a Terrorist Organization'. According to this law, the Royal Canadian Navy is now subject to its provisions and has been officially categorized as a 'terrorist organization' based on the principle of reciprocity.

Background: The Canadian Move That Triggered the Crisis

The Canadian government included the Iranian Revolutionary Guard on its list of terrorist organizations in June 2024, coinciding with heightened diplomatic tensions between the two nations. At that time, Ottawa urged Canadian citizens to leave Iran, citing Tehran's regional conduct and human rights violations as justifications for its decision.

Canadian Accusations Against Iran

Canadian Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc stated that the classification of the Revolutionary Guard was due to 'the Iranian regime's support for terrorism, ongoing human rights abuses, and its intent to undermine the stability of the international rule-based order'.

Ongoing Confrontation with No Signs of De-escalation

Experts suggest that the designation of the Canadian Navy as a terrorist organization marks a rare precedent in international relations, highlighting the depth of the crisis between Iran and Canada. Currently, there are no indications of a near-term de-escalation, given the complex interplay of security, political, and human rights issues affecting relations between Tehran and Ottawa.